A 13-year-old boy was allegedly
raped in the southern town of Giugliano by a group of 11 fellow
minors, including some who are under 14, sources said Friday.
Carabinieri police started investigating the case after the
victim's mother reported the abuse in January in the small town
near Naples.
The boy's mother was tipped off about her son's acquaintances
and started following him before finally coming onto the scene
when he was being raped, police said.
Eight of the minors suspected of involvement have been taken
into care. There were allegedly several episodes of abuse,
possibly over a period of several years. The most recent dates
back to January.
The 13 suffers from a slight learning disability.
The crimes allegedly occurred in several places in the
historic center of Giugliano.
Some of the perpetrators reportedly come from disadvantaged
families.
The mayor of Giugliano, Antonio Poziello, called the
incidents "terrible", noting that "the idea that a 'gang' of
minors had committed" the acts "leaves one dismayed".
"The town council has set in motion a series of interventions
and activities against bullying," councillor for legal issues
Adolfo Grauso said.
"On Monday, the council will approve a resolution that we
have long been working on to establish an office for the
prevention of bullying in collaboration with schools".
He added that the town council would make psychologists,
social workers and lawyers available.
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